NCERT class 9 book links national, SC mottos to ancient texts

The new NCERT Class 9 social science textbook, released on 29 September, links India's national motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ to the Mundaka Upanishad and the Supreme Court's motto ‘Yato Dharmastato Jayah’ to the Mahabharata. The book, ‘Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2’, was released six months after the academic session began. Part 1 was released in June 2026.

The chapter ‘Governance and Public Policy’ says the mottos reflect the continuing importance of Indian ethical values in public life and signify the core values and ideals of institutions. It contrasts the national motto with the British-era ‘Heaven's Light, Our Guide’. The textbook also discusses the Sengol, Gandhi's Ram Rajya, and Kautilya's Arthashastra. Part 2 is part of the transition to revised material under NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.

Update, 1 October 2026: The Times of India reported on 1 October that the textbook also quotes Gandhi's vision of ‘Ram Rajya’ as an ideal model of governance, and discusses the Sengol and Kautilya's Arthashastra.

Update, 3 October 2026: EdexLive reports the same details, quoting the textbook that the mottos are not just symbolic but signify the core values and ideals of institutions. It adds that the textbook includes six chapters spanning history, geography, political science and economics.